Streff-Like Syndrome in an Adult: A Case Report

Streff syndrome is a non-malingering visual disturbance commonly affecting near and color vision, which is prevalent in the younger population. This case report presents Streff-like syndrome in a middle-aged woman. A 47-year-old woman with underlying major depressive disorder presented with bilateral reduced vision and a constricted visual field for one week. These symptoms were accompanied by additional neurological complaints of headache, weakness, and numbness triggered after a stressful event that affected her work performance. Examinations revealed reduced vision more toward near, diminished red saturation, color vision deficiencies, and bilateral tubular visual fields. Notably, the relative afferent pupillary defect was negative, with both anterior and posterior segments normal. Neuroimaging and inflammatory workup results were within normal limits. An additional +1.00 lens improved her symptoms and visual acuities. Collaborative management involving psychiatry, neurology, and ophthalmology, including psychotherapy, led to significant symptom improvement. At the five-month follow-up, the patient experienced a complete resolution of her visual symptoms. Although Streff syndrome is a primary visual problem, additional psychogenic factors may add to variable cases. This case underscores the importance of recognizing stress-induced psychogenic manifestation, particularly in patients with underlying mental health conditions, and emphasizes an interdisciplinary management approach.